Coventry Bees have been rocked by the shock news that skipper Andreas Jonsson intends quitting the club in the next fortnight.

The Swedish Grand Prix star has told the Bees management he will continue riding for the next couple of weeks, but then cut down on his commitments by only racing in the Swedish and Polish Leagues, and the Grand Prix series.

Jonsson has been suffering with stomach problems and didn't look well during Coventry's KO Cup meeting at Swindon last Sunday, when he only scored six points in the 55-39 defeat.

He says he feels "drained" and just can't continue riding in three different leagues and the World Championship Grand Prix series.

He said: "I was completely exhausted after last Saturday's Grand Prix in Cardiff. Normally a GP meeting is tough when you are in good shape, but I was completely exhausted afterwards.

"I am doing too much and I have not been enjoying my racing. I need to get back to enjoying it again, and I need to cut back on my meetings. I have told Coventry I will ride until the end of the month."

Jonsson had only planned to ride for the Buildbase Bees for a couple of months this year when he signed in the winter, but he was persuaded to commit himself to the whole season at March's press and practice day.

Bees are already seeking a replacement for long-term injury casualty Rory Schlein, and they are now saddled with finding a new heat-leader as well, something that will not prove easy in a restricted market.

Peterborough rebel Joonas Kylmakorpi, currently serving a 28-day ban for walking out on the Panthers, remains a target to replace Schlein, and Jesper B. Jensen may also come into the equation after being released by Oxford this week.